If we had to choose just one trend to define the Spring ’16 collections, it would have to be the off-the-shoulder silhouette. Seen on runways from New York to Paris and all over the streets, exposed shoulders were this season’s playful, sexy antidote to years of minimalism. Even better, it’s a look that appeals to girls of every taste: Whether your style is classic, romantic, or thrift-store bohemian, an off-the-shoulder blouse can go from day to night; leaves plenty of room for accessorizing, especially with earrings; and offers a skin-baring option for girls who prefer not to expose their arms or décolletage.

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Photo: Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

For Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz, off-the-shoulder dressing isn’t new; in fact, she designs each of her eponymous collections with the shoulders in mind. “For me, it’s just about finding the right balance between sexy and conservative,” Ortiz tells Vogue.com. “Latin girls are always stereotyped as ‘bombshells,’ but I try to show just the right amount of skin. All women feel comfortable with their shoulders, regardless of their age or shape.” Ortiz launched her brand back in 2001 but only recently began showing outside of Cali, Colombia. Almost as quickly as her Spring ’15 collection landed in New York, she had an instant hit on her hands with the best-selling Tulum top. With an elastic off-the-shoulder neckline and full, gathered balloon sleeves that sit low on the arms, it’s the kind of top you could wear with jeans during the day or a ball skirt at night—and the results would be effortless either way. Many of Ortiz’s Spring ’16 looks, pictured here, mirror the Tulum silhouette, but with more exaggerated sleeves or a bold, Spanish-inspired ruffle. Ortiz’s other signature is deconstructed shirting, which allows her to spotlight the shoulders in a different, but equally offhand way: A classic button-down might be pushed off one shoulder, tied in a knot, or cut extra-wide to just graze the clavicle.

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Photo: Courtesy of Johanna Ortiz

Ortiz is quick to mention the off-the-shoulder trend is actually quite old—as in, centuries old—but while some designers are embracing that vintage vibe, she makes it feel fresh by addressing a contemporary approach to style. “When I’m designing, I think of pieces you can mix and match,” she says. “Let’s say I have a balloon sleeve with a lot of volume, then I’ll add a pencil skirt, so it’s quirky and coquettish, but not overdone. I think women are ready to be a little more playful and festive with their clothes—even if you’re just going to lunch with your friends, you want to wear some color and print, maybe a ruffle.” In other words, Oritz’s clothes don’t require a special occasion—which is about as modern as it gets.